Seven ultramarathons in seven months to fight prostate cancer.
I'm running in honor of my dad who is fighting the fight now!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Final Race: Ouachita Trail 50 Mile

My next and final race is on April 18th: Ouachita Trail 50 Mile. I have a history with this race; last year I DNFd (did not finish) due to dehydration (you can read last year's race report here). This is a nice race on the Ouachita Trail northwest of Little Rock. The race is a pretty typical trail race except for the BIG FREAKIN' MOUNTAIN at mile 4. It's not really that big as far as mountains go, but it is more or less straight up - last year I had to use hands, arms and legs to get up and over that sucker. Below is the elevation profile from last year's race (click the image to see the whole chart):

This year I intend to run a smarter race and avoid dehydration. I feel like my training has gone well and I am in good shape to finish this race well. But you never know! So I'll take it easy getting over Pinnacle Mountain.

What's even more exciting than my final race is that I have almost reached my fundraising goal! With your help I've raised $4,139, which is 94% of my goal of $4,392. I only need to raise $253 to reach my goal and make this whole effort a huge success.

So if you haven't donated yet, now is the time to step up and make that donation here. If you've already donated but feel like you could give a little more, just go here. If you know someone who has been affected by Prostate Cancer and who might want to donate, please send them here. You get the idea. I'm so close to my goal! It would be great to run this last race knowing that with the help of family, friends and strangers, we have contributed to the fight against Prostate Cancer!

Thank you again for your help, support, encouragement, and your money. It's been a long endeavor but it has all been worth it. I can't wait for the day when Prostate Cancer is no scarier than a cold or the flu, and no one loses a father, husband, brother or friend. Thank you!

4 comments:

Marshall, I DNF'd at Ouachita a couple of years ago after getting hopelessly lost on the return leg. Haul yourself over the mountain, be sure to stay alert for the trail markings, and you'll be golden. You're in a zone. This is your time. Good luck!

Racing for a Cure!

I'm an ultrarunner and a coach for Team in Training (GO TEAM!).

My dad, Jesse, was recently diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. I want to help but don't know how, and about the only thing I know how to do is run and raise money. So support me in my efforts to raise money and race over 400 miles in the next seven months.

Over the next seven months I will complete seven ultramarathons:- Heartland 100 Mile - 28:25:21